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The precise dates of Holy Week may change from year to year, but several destinations draw in a consistently large influx of tourists with their alluring traditions and unique cultural approaches to one of the world's most prominent holidays. Travel around Easter often means longer lines and bigger crowds, but it can be well worth the extra hassle depending on where you go. Across three continents, several cities stand out for their iconic celebrations of Holy Week.

Seville, Spain

More than a million people congregate in the Spanish city of Seville around Easter to witness the grand rituals of Semana Santa, according to the iExplore Travel Guide. This week-long religious pageant dates back to the 16th-century, and little has changed since it first began. Endless processions move through the streets and plazas of Seville. Brass bands and drum corps play somber tunes while accompanying the masses through town. Cloaked and masked brotherhoods of Nazarenos march along parade routes all day and night carrying black crosses and massive floats with life-size statues commemorating Catholic saints and virgins. The statues include images of the death and resurrection of Christ over the final days leading up to Easter.

Ayacucho, Peru

The Peruvian province of Ayacucho is also known for its lively Easter celebrations. Situated in the Andes Mountains of Peru, the town of Ayacucho has 33 churches, each of which represents a year of Jesus' life. Some of the churches date back as far as the 16th-century, according to Living in Peru. Traditional processions and music similar to the spectacle in Seville take place for 10 days prior to Easter Sunday in Ayacucho. The festival combines the pagan heritage of the ancient Inca with the Catholic beliefs brought over by the Spanish conquistadors, thus the similarities. Locals hoist statues of biblical saints and figures along the town's streets and plazas. Each day features a special series of events and traditions. A fair-like atmosphere dominates the town, and you're likely to witness horse races as well as a running of the bulls during the colorful festivities. The event culminates on Easter Sunday with the presentation of a resurrected statue of Jesus and booming fireworks.

Jerusalem, Israel

Perhaps no Holy Week destination possesses the same magnetic power as Jerusalem, Israel. After all, this was the actual site where the original Easter events transpired thousands of years ago. Throngs of pilgrims flock to Jerusalem from around the world to partake in the traditions of Holy Week. Crowds of religious zealots and curious tourists climb the Mount of Olives on the fringes of Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to participate in a re-enactment of Jesus' final entry into Jerusalem. An even more impressive procession takes place on Good Friday, according to Frommer's Travel Guide. Pilgrims carrying crosses follow the same route that Jesus took up the hill to Golgotha where he was crucified. This emotional and chilling procession gives way to more joyous parades and non-stop church services on Easter Sunday as people celebrate the supposed resurrection of Jesus. Whether you're attending an orthodox mass and prayer vigil or retracing the historic trail that lead to Easter's establishment as a worldwide holiday, Jerusalem sits at the epicenter of it all.

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About the Author

David Thyberg began his writing career in 2007. He is a professional writer, editor and translator. Thyberg has been published in various newspapers, websites and magazines. He enjoys writing about social issues, travel, music and sports. Thyberg holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh Honors College with a certificate in Spanish and Latin American studies.